HB 377 -- Medications for Persons with HIV

Sponsor:  Schilling

This bill authorizes the Department of Health in conjunction
with the Department of Social Services to pay for the
medications of uninsured persons who (1) provide HIV and AIDS
documentation; (2)˙have resided in Missouri for at least 6
months prior to applying to the program; (3) lacked access to
employer subsidized health care insurance or other coverage for
6 months prior to applying to the program; and (4) have an
income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.  The
Department of Health and the Department of Social Services are
required to establish regulations for the medication program.

Uninsured persons with incomes ranging between 226% to 300% of
the federal poverty level who lack access to affordable
employer-sponsored health care are required to pay monthly
premiums and co-payments not exceeding 5% of their income for
the years they participate in the medication program.

Persons with a net worth exceeding $250,000 in any year and who
are eligible for other medical assistance are excluded from the
program.  Persons who have an income more than 225% of the
federal poverty level and who fail to meet co-payments and
monthly premium obligations are excluded from the program for 6
months after receiving notification from the Department of
Health.  The Department of Health in conjunction with the
Department of Social Services is authorized to determine
available income amounts of persons who apply to the program.

The Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of
Social Services is required to report annually on the medication
program to the Governor and General Assembly and to establish an
Identification Program which identifies persons not
participating in the program.  The Department of Health and the
Department of Social Services are also required to commission a
study on the negative impacts of the medication program on
persons covered by private insurance before the program
completes one year of operation and yearly thereafter.
Additional co-payments, premiums, and other costs can be
implemented by the Department of Health if the study reveals
measurable negative impacts.